I was extremely honored to be part of the #YouthCSW Declaration on Gender Equality and the Human Rights of Young Women and Girls. In 2030, we, the youth, in all our diversities, want to see a fully inclusive world where….

We lead gender-just implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Young women and girls are at the table, making decisions on issues that affect us.

We are the last generation who can solve climate change.

We choose what happens to our bodies.

Youth of all genders live free from violence.

Young women and girls have built a peaceful world with other generations.

Throughout the years, I have been working with young people around the globe in building their capacity by empowering communities and advocating for peace, security and the rights of all people. When it comes to youth, my aspirations are always multiplied with hope and strength because we are the “generation of change”. If we can’t change the whole world, don’t get disappointed because we can create change at any level of society and, at the end of the day, impact the globe. We are 1.8 billion in numbers and rising. We are the Youth of the world and a generation of change.

I was flown into Hiroshima from New York City to join youth Activists, the hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and experts at the International Youth Summit for Nuclear Abolition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the tragic Hiroshima and Nagaski bombings.

I was invited to join hands together with my young leaders in organizing an incredible event. Yes, The Youth Assembly took place from Feb. 11-12 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The exciting event brought together almost 500 Youth leaders and social entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries. The theme of the event was, “Bridging the Gap Between Youth Employment and Global Development”. The Youth Assembly has been founded and organized by the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, based in Connecticut and it happens twice a year. Every year, thousands of young people come together to have a constructive dialogue about United Nations areas of work, Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals, inspiring speeches from the UN high officials and dignitaries, youth-led and community development organizations.

The Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations was the lead endorser and host of this event. In the opening remarks, the Permanent Observer of Romania to the United Nations, Ambassador Ms. Simona Miculescu appreciated and welcomed young people in her friendly salute and with wonderful remarks, “if you have a dream or an idea, there is no better time to make it happen than TODAY! Remember! Your input to the new sustainable development goals will influence the well-being and livelihood of present and future generations! This includes me, you, your friends, your parents, your brothers and sisters.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
(Martin Luther King, Jr.)

I believe Peace can only be achieved without wars and by non-violent actions. We might first think that resolution of conflict can be occurred by using violence and force. If we see the history, wars always led us to more dangerous consequences. It endangered the living on planet. The concept of wars should be demolished now. It’s enough for the world suffered with the destruction of and by mankind.

Reflecting on some personal stories I have pinned many reason which motivated me to go for peace activities. In 2005, I was the victim of massive earthquake in Pakistan. 2009 and 2010 were the years when suicide bombings have had paralyzed the normal flow of life in my country. In the earthquake we lost many loved ones, many were wounded… it have stimulated me to join Pakistan Red Crescent Society. After the events in 2009/2010, I have taken part of Emergency Response Teams administering first Aid and search and rescue operation in the wake of attacks..

I am a youth amongst almost 67 % of whole Pakistani population. So I will surely focus my blog about youth. In my point of view Youth are like the running water that can tore any hard rock coming its way. Youth are a supremacy that can really make a difference in any circumstances. Youth are the backbone of any country. With this high percentage we should not forget there is a chance of either falling to dark results of failure or the golden opportunity towards success. It’s not only up to the State of Pakistan who will provide a right path to the young generation but a lot of that responsibility depends upon youth’s shoulders itself.

Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal thoughts about youth:

“Your world is (only) the one which you create yourself, not these stones and bricks, which are in sight”